Sabalenka Knocks Out Raducanu in Cincinnati: Epic Duel in 3 Sets

Aryna Sabalenka Defeats Emma Raducanu in an Exciting Match in Cincinnati

British tennis player Emma Raducanu was eliminated from the Cincinnati Open after a close match against the world number one, Aryna Sabalenka. The Monday match marked the second encounter of the year between both players, after Sabalenka prevailed in their third-round match at Wimbledon. In Cincinnati, another exciting duel that lasted more than three hours was experienced. Raducanu took the experienced 27-year-old player to a tiebreak in the third set. In a tense final, Sabalenka emerged victorious, securing the victory with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 7-6.

As I said at Wimbledon, I’m happy to see her healthy, mentally and physically. She’s getting better and better, and I see that she’s getting back to her best level. I enjoy fighting against her, she’s an incredible player.

Aryna Sabalenka on Emma Raducanu

On her way to the third round, Raducanu defeated Olga Danilovic in the previous match. This was their first encounter since Francis Roig, former coach of Rafael Nadal, joined her team. Raducanu had a promising start, achieving her first break point in the second game of the first set, but Sabalenka responded with a break of her own and soon equalized the score. Sabalenka seemed to take control of the match, breaking Raducanu’s serve again and winning four consecutive games. However, Raducanu managed to equalize the score at 4-4 and demonstrated her strength by securing the ninth game after a long deuce. In a tight match, Sabalenka managed to establish a tiebreak, and withstood the Brit’s solid resistance to secure the first set in just under an hour.

The second set maintained the excitement, with both players holding their serve in the early stages. Raducanu managed to change the course by winning a break point in the seventh game, taking the lead.

The Brit closed the set in style, with an ace to tie the match. The third set was just as close, with both players holding their serve. The eighth game was incredible, with 13 deuces and Sabalenka unable to convert four break points before Raducanu finally secured the game. For the second time in the match, the set reached a tiebreak, and with her second match point, Sabalenka advanced to the next round. The world number one will face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the round of 16, after the Spaniard defeated Taylor Townsend on Monday.